F1rst Gen at BCC: Setting Sails with Purpose and Pride
Welcome to the F1rst Gen Viking Community at Barstow Community College!
Whether you're the first in your family to attend college or you're supporting a first-gen student, know this: you belong here, and we’re here to support your journey. At BCC, we celebrate your courage, honor the bold path you're forging, and walk beside you as you make your mark and set sail toward your dreams.
Our Commitment to First-Generation Students
Barstow Community College is proud to be a homeport for 2,193 first-generation students—that’s nearly 40% of our student body! We don’t just recognize your journey; we champion it.
Our campus F1rst Gen Viking initiative aims to create a sense of community and holistic support and development to our students and their families. Throughout the academic year we aim to host activities, workshops and events in collaboration with other campus departments that fosters first-gen success. We promote campus involvement and prioritize student success, engagement, and retention of first gen students here at BCC.
We are excited to be a resource for you as you chart your course and set sails here at Barstow Community College! #F1rstGenProud
What does it mean to be first-generation?
Like the California Community College system, BCC defines first-generation as both parents or guardians of a student have never attended college or attained an Associate degree or higher as self-reported by the student at any college. Being first-gen doesn’t mean doing it alone. It means you’re a trailblazer, a leader in your family, a pioneer in your community, and a changemaker in the making.
Here’s how we support your voyage:
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First-Gen Welcome Events & Socials: Connect with fellow first-gen students and mentors.
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Skill-Building Workshops: Learn about navigating college, from financial aid to academic planning.
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Family Engagement: We know your family plays a key role. We include and celebrate them in your success.
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Cross-Campus Collaborations: From Counseling to Career Services, we work together to ensure you feel supported and seen.
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Celebration & Storytelling: We amplify first-gen voices and victories all year long!
Whether you're discovering new shores or navigating stormy waters, BCC is your compass and your crew. Let us help you anchor your goals, build confidence, and sail toward your future with pride.
Get Involved in Upcoming Events:
Eager to share your story as a First Gen Student?
Download our F1rst Gen Viking Zoom backgrounds and submit a 15-30 second video answering 1 or 2 of the below prompts. Not a fan of videos? Send us 2-3 sentences (100 words max) to success@barstow.edu answering 1-2 of the below prompts along with a picture of yourself. Make sure you are following BCC on social media, be on the lookout for your submission during First-Gen week November 4th-8th!
Instagram handle: @barstow_community_college
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarstowCommunityCollege
First-Gen Prompt Instructions: You do not have to answer every prompt:
- Begin your paragraph/video by introducing yourself, your major, and what year you're in at Barstow Community College.
- Share a personal story or experience about being a first-generation college student, talk about your reason for attending college.
- Describe how Barstow Community College has supported you in your journey and/or highlight any challenges you’ve faced as a parent, foster-youth, ACCESS student, etc. if applicable.
- Conclude with a personal message or advice to other first-generation students considering higher education.
Examples:
"Being a first-generation student means ____. At Barstow Community College, I found support through ____."
"My journey as a first-gen Viking has been ____. Thanks to ____, I've been able to ____." Video
Example: https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cZ6bbPVWHhZ
Social Media Example:
